The six sisters of the valleys : an historical romance - University Library

THE ARREST. 191
versialist. Then I fear you've been imbib-
ing poison instead of zeal by beholding
our autos da fe. I sent you as a good
Catholic to uproot heresy, and they are
sending me a heretic back. I thought you
were steadfast in the faith, and was loth to
credit any reports against you. But I now
see the cloven foot. I hear that in January
when sent for the enforcement of Gastaldo's
edict, you gave assistance to a heretic
family, and actually slew one of the soldiers
of the cross with your sword. I have just
heard this from the Marchioness's confessor,
but thought it was a calumny. Dagot,
that was the man's name. Perhaps it was
true? Was it?"
" I did what common humanity bade
me in the protection of female virtue. I
only did what you would have done, had
your daughter been in danger."
" Humanity ! do you speak of humanity
when religion calls us to the work of salva-
tion ? I abjure your half-heartedness. Yoa